Republicans move to have cameras in Rules Committee

On Friday, Rep. David Dreier (R-CA), the House Rules Committee Ranking Republican, sent a letter to House Chief Administrative Officer Dan Strodel requesting that work begin immediately on installing cameras in the Rules Committee hearing room. Mr. Dreier’s letter stated the following:

“As you may be aware, the Committee on Rules is the only Committee — other than the Intelligence and Ethics committees — which does not have the ability to broadcast video of its proceedings in its main hearing room. Given the important nature of our work, my Republican Rules Committee colleagues and I have repeatedly requested that the Majority undertake the installation of cameras in the Rules Committee hearing room to the end that we begin webcasting our proceedings. Given the important business conducted there, we feel strongly that the American people should have the ability to watch the Committee in action.”

The House Rules Committee decides which bills and amendments come to the floor for a vote and which do not. Rep. Charlie Dent, Pennsylvania Republican, introduced legislation that would require cameras in the Rules Committee. The move to place cameras in the Rules Committee Hearing Room is part of the House GOP Congressional Transparency Initiative.

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About the Author

Kerry Picket, a former Opinion Blogger/Editor of The Watercooler, was associate producer for the Media Research Center, a content producer for Robin Quivers of “The Howard Stern Show” on Sirius satellite radio and a production assistant and copy writer at MTV.